Qantas leaves London-bound passengers’ bags in Darwin because aircraft was too heavy

A Qantas aircraft at Darwin airport. Recent flights to London took off without passengers’ luggage to lighten the aircraft and avoid using a crumbling section of runway. Photograph: Lisa McTiernan/Getty Images

Furious Qantas passengers say they were left without their bags for up to six days after the airline flew them from Darwin to London without checked baggage, due to weight restrictions caused by a crumbling patch of runway at Darwin airport.

The Guardian understands Qantas only became aware of the urgent runway repairs and weight restrictions at Darwin shortly before the scheduled flights early last week.